Apple is expected to make some huge changes to the next iPhone lineup in 2017, possibly going back to a familiar glass casing and opting for a 5.8-inch AMOLED display.
The speculations come from Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, an analyst who is right more often than not when it comes to Apple-related guesses.
According to Kuo, the 2017 iPhone may sport a glass casing, just like the iPhone 4 and 4s. He also believes that Apple is considering plastic or ceramic, but he notes that the company will likely choose glass in the end.
What's more, the upcoming handset could have a curved display and body with a glass front and back and metal sides. Aside from the curved design, that setup is reminiscent of the iPhone 4 yet again, but apparently, the form factor will be "completely new."
Moving on, Kuo also suggests that the new lineup will be fitted with 5.8-inch AMOLED displays. Though they'll be larger than the 5.5-inch ones that the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus have, the analyst says that the 2017 iPhone will still be smaller thanks to the new form factor.
"If the supply of AMOLED panel is sufficient, we believe it is more likely that the first scenario will happen, in which case a 5.8-inch AMOLED model will entirely replace the 5.5-inch TFT-LCD iPhone," Kuo says.
In other words, Apple could unveil 4.7- and 5.8-inch iPhones next year.
Interestingly enough, the AMOLED idea contradicts Kuo's earlier prediction about Apple using LCD displays until 2018.
The fun doesn't stop there, though, as the new iPhones could also come with wireless charging plus a face or iris scanner.
Of course, this is still just a rumor, and it's advisable to take it with a grain of salt, even though it comes from good ol' reliable Kuo. To put it differently, nothing's set in stone yet.
